Mindspark Malware
I was trying to sign onto Google Maps and somehow ended up with Mindspark taking over my Google launch. Doesnt show up in my uninstall and was not removed when i ran a scan. Any suggestions on how to get rid of this?
+62Hello ?,
Welcome to the Webroot Community,
The Mindspark is not nechnically not a virus, it is a browser hijacker, which is promoted via other free downloads, and once installed it will a Mindspark toolbar, change your browser homepage to home.tb.ask.com, and set your default search engine to search.tb.ask.com.
What you are seeing and describing sounds like it may be what we on the Community refer to as a PUA. (Potentially Unwanted Application) These are very annoying at best in that they cause pop-us, redirect your browser home page, and other behavior that may slow down the computer and direct ads your way, but they are not actually doing anything bad like damaging files or stealing information. Often they are installed intentionally by you the user as browser add-ons for various tasks such as quick search tools.. but they also come with the result of added annoying pop-ups and ads. Other times they 'piggy back' with other software that you installed, or try to 'sneak' onto your system entirely.
WSA does detect and remove many PUA's, and more are being added, but WSA does not detect all of them. A simple browser add-on with PUA behavior that is easy to identify and easy to remove is not likely to be detected and removed by WSA. Those that are intentionally difficult to locate and remove are. Please see THIS LINK for more information regarding Webroot's stance on these annoying programs.
For those that are not detected by WSA, please see this KB Article. It has some easy to follow directions on locating and removing PUA's. You may also want to submit a Trouble Ticket, especially if you cannot remove it easily from the directions in the KB Article.
For those that ARE detected by WSA, but cannot be removed automatically, you can submit a Trouble Ticket. Webroot Support will help you get these annoying 'crapware' off your computer at no extra charge, and the additional examples may help to better automatic removal of that particular PUA for all users in the future.
Hope this helps,
Welcome to the Webroot Community,
The Mindspark is not nechnically not a virus, it is a browser hijacker, which is promoted via other free downloads, and once installed it will a Mindspark toolbar, change your browser homepage to home.tb.ask.com, and set your default search engine to search.tb.ask.com.
What you are seeing and describing sounds like it may be what we on the Community refer to as a PUA. (Potentially Unwanted Application) These are very annoying at best in that they cause pop-us, redirect your browser home page, and other behavior that may slow down the computer and direct ads your way, but they are not actually doing anything bad like damaging files or stealing information. Often they are installed intentionally by you the user as browser add-ons for various tasks such as quick search tools.. but they also come with the result of added annoying pop-ups and ads. Other times they 'piggy back' with other software that you installed, or try to 'sneak' onto your system entirely.
WSA does detect and remove many PUA's, and more are being added, but WSA does not detect all of them. A simple browser add-on with PUA behavior that is easy to identify and easy to remove is not likely to be detected and removed by WSA. Those that are intentionally difficult to locate and remove are. Please see THIS LINK for more information regarding Webroot's stance on these annoying programs.
For those that are not detected by WSA, please see this KB Article. It has some easy to follow directions on locating and removing PUA's. You may also want to submit a Trouble Ticket, especially if you cannot remove it easily from the directions in the KB Article.
For those that ARE detected by WSA, but cannot be removed automatically, you can submit a Trouble Ticket. Webroot Support will help you get these annoying 'crapware' off your computer at no extra charge, and the additional examples may help to better automatic removal of that particular PUA for all users in the future.
Hope this helps,
IMac 2021 27 in i5 Retina 5, iMac OS Sequoia (15.7.3), Security: iPads, ALIENWARE 15 R6, W11 Microsoft Windows Workstation, x64, Webroot® SecureAnywhere™ Internet Security Complete, Android Samsung Galaxy Ultra Note 23, Webroot Beta Tester
Thanks so much for the response. I followed the instructions and was able to locate and remove. Appreciate your help!
Sbuckner,
Well done! Thank you much for letting us know.... the advice we provide is edited as needed to make sure you, the end user, is able to understand it, so we always appreciate the feedback!
Well done! Thank you much for letting us know.... the advice we provide is edited as needed to make sure you, the end user, is able to understand it, so we always appreciate the feedback!
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